Bring your mobile sports, event, or multi-camera video productions into the world of 4K with the Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder. Featuring a large 1" 15.03MP 4K sensor, the HC-X2 is can record high-quality, professional-grade video in up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) 10-bit 4:2:2 resolutions. You can also record 1080p in VFR (variable frame rate) in 10 increments from 2 to 60 fps, as well as record HD video in a super-slow-motion mode at a frame rate up to 120 fps. The X2 features numerous enhancements to its high-speed AF with face detection, HLG 13-stop dynamic range, a brighter monitor, UHD 4K image stabilization, timecode input and output, HDMI and 3G-SDI output, and built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Whether producing event or ENG-style videos or live streaming, the 20x optical zoom power of the lens starts from a wide 24mm equivalent FOV for shooting in tight spots or grabbing impressive establishing shots, and it extends out to 32x i.Zoom for getting in tight on far-away subjects. The X2 also features built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to live stream via RTMP/RTSP, and it can also tether to a computer using Wi-Fi or USB so you can stream using popular content providers such as YouTube or Facebook Live. You can also wirelessly remotely control the X2 using a tablet or smartphone with a free-to-download Panasonic app.

While 4K video formats may seem daunting, the X2 manages to record them onto convenient SD cards (U3 rated or faster cards are required for video bit rates above 100 Mb/s) that are both small and robust. Two card slots are provided for increased flexibility. You can record to both cards simultaneously, either for backing up or recording high and low bit rate files or enable relay recording to capture a single file that spans multiple cards for longer recording times.

Ergonomically, the X2 features a compact handheld camcorder body with plenty of customizable control buttons for quickly accessing essential functions. When handheld, the sharp OLED EVF is within easy reach, and a high-bright 3.5" touchscreen is offered for monitoring and menu control; and both can be used simultaneously. Waveforms and scopes can be displayed to aid in exposure control. Atop the handgrip sits a large zoom rocker for precise zoom control. Lens functions can also be controlled manually using the three lens rings, one for focus, one for zoom, and one for iris. A 5900mAh battery for powering the X2 is included, along with a charger and a power supply for fixed-position operating.

Up to UHD 4K60 Video with Live Streaming    15MP 1" MOS Sensor, 5-Axis Hybrid OIS+    Built-In Wi-Fi & Ethernet; HDMI/SDI Out    XLR Audio Inputs; Timecode In/Out    20x Optical Zoom, 4K 24x/HD 32x i.Zoom    Built-In ND Filters, 120 fps Slow Motion    Up to 10-Bit UHD 4K60 4:2:0 & 4K30 4:2:2    Records MP4, MOV, AVCHD to Dual SD Slots    Wide 25.4mm Lens, 3.5" LCD Display    High-Speed AF with Face Detection

This effective 1" MOS Sensor (15.03MP) combines ideal depth of field with balanced image quality and sensitivity. It supports HLG/V-log (13 stops) and HDR shooting and provides images without cropping in all modes.

Ideal for medium-scale, multi-camera event/live shooting, the X2 features an Ethernet and a Wi-Fi connection for LAN streaming and wireless camera control. It supports RTMP (Real Time Messaging Protocol), the protocol used when streaming with Adobe Flash, and it is RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS compatible using H.264/MPEG-4 AVC/AAC-LC compression. It supports streaming distribution of RTMP-compatible content, such as live video distribution services, and it records (with modes below FHD) onto SD cards in the camera is also possible while streaming.

HDR is an image display technology that provides a wider brightness range (dynamic range) than conventional SDR. HDR renders more natural and true-to-life images without compromising the gradation in bright image areas or dark image areas.

The X2 realizes a wide dynamic range of up to 13 stops and supports V-Log/V-Gamut, which is also equipped in Panasonic cinema cameras VARICAM and LUMIX.

The X2 can work in USB or wired/wireless LAN tethering mode to use a computer for live streaming to applications such as YouTube or Facebook for live streaming.

A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi module is built-in, so there is no need to purchase a separate wireless LAN module. Wi-Fi connection is possible using only the main unit. A tablet/smartphone with the HC ROP (available for free on Apple's App Store or Google Play) can be used for wireless remote control. The app can be used to control up to eight cameras. There is also a built-in Ethernet connection so you can add the camera to a wired LAN.

The 4-Drive Lens System simultaneously and independently drives 4 lens groups (group 2, iris,

group 3, group 4). The lens size and drive range for each of the 4 groups can be efficiently suppressed to optimize image quality and zoom power, maintaining a compact body.

In both UHD/FHD modes, in addition to Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), Electronic Image Stabilization operates to detect and correct handshake in the 5-axis direction, including rotational blurring. This provides powerful correction in unstable situations, such as low-angle and high-angle shooting.

There are three modes to choose from:

• NORMAL (standard)
• STABLE (effective for fixed-frame shooting)
• PAN/TILT (effective in panning and tilting)

HDMI outputs up to 3840 x 2160 UHD 4K 4:2:2 10-bit and 3G-SDI outputs 1920 x 1080 FHD 4:2:2 10-bit, high image quality output, compatible with various applications and recorders.

The X2 supports timecode in/out so it can easily fit into multi-camera productions.

By moving the Micro Drive Focus Unit minutely and quickly, highly precise AF performance is also achieved when shooting in 4K or shooting with a shallow depth of field.

Provided with Face Detection to precisely capture subjects onsite free from out of focus problems and insufficient exposure. Also, by adding color recognition, tracking subjects is improved,

without interruption, when the face moves to either side.

• Area Mode: Auto Focus is easily possible with just a touch on the LCD panel. You can also change this to Auto Iris and Brightness Display on the screen
• Y Get: Measures brightness at the center and displays numerical data
• Focus Assist: When the Focus Assist button is pressed during manual focusing
• Expand: Visibility can be enhanced by expanding the display of any desired part of the screen
• Peaking: The contours of subjects in focus are colored for display emphasis
• Expand and Peaking: Expand and Peaking can be used in combination
• One Press AF: This function temporarily activates Auto Focus when shooting in Manual mode

The X2 features triple manual rings on the lens barrel for Zoom, Focus, and Iris control.

These manual functions ensure professional operation and enable speedy and intuitive camera

work.

ND filters are built into the lens to suppress the amount of incident light. The filters can be selected (1/4, 1/16, 1/64, or Clear) to match the shooting environment. This is convenient, for example, when you want to shoot at a slow shutter speed in bright daylight. Also, when opening the aperture, you can attain high resolution and a shallow depth of field.

• Equipped with new, highly efficient codec HEVC recording
• High-bit rate recording with LongGOP; 4:2:2 10-bit (UHD 4K30), 4:2:0 8-bit (UHD 4K60)
• MOV files with compatibility and control are used
• The same file system with the Professional Handheld Camcorder will automatically create

  filenames 20 characters in length for easy control of clips. Conventional AVCHD acquisition

  is also supported

The optical 20x zoom lens features an optical zoom of 20x, a 24x maximum digital i.Zoom range in UHD 4K, and a maximum 32x digital i.Zoom in 1080p. The lens can quickly cover the entire zoom range, so you won't miss your shots.

HD mode achieves a super-slow-motion effect with a maximum 120 fps or 100 fps. It supports high-quality 10-bit recording in FHD mode. The image area is not cropped even at high frame rates.

Two XLR inputs with switchable 48V phantom power supply/MIC/LINE. In MOV mode, 24-bit linear PCM recording delivers high resolution sound quality. Volume control dial enables 2-channel control, and it also features an OSD level meter and a 3.5mm stereo headphone output.

Provided with professional camera image adjustment functions including the 16-axis independent color correction function similar to the one in a broadcast video camera as well as detail, skin detail, chroma level, chroma phase, master pedestal, gamma and knee setting functions.

The IR Cut Filter can be turned ON/OFF (allocated on the User button). When the filter is turned OFF, commercially available IR lights can be used for shooting in dark places

The 3.5mm LCD touchscreen monitor can be constantly displayed even when viewing the tiltable EVF.

The camera is powered using a high-capacity AG-VBR series battery.

Double SD card slots are provided to enable unlimited relay recording by simply changing SD cards, and allows the use of various recording systems to ensure high recording reliability.

The camera features multiple professional assist functions, including:

• Waveform monitor
• Vectorscope
• Zebra
• Flash Band detection and correction
• Luminance level adjustment
• Level gauge
• And more

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How does the Panasonic HC-X2 compare to the Panasonic CX 350?

A: The CX350 and HC-X2 are very similar cameras. Both have similar wired streaming capabilities and large 1" sensors, SDI and HDMI outputs. We think the stand out difference is the new HC-X2 has built in wifi. With the CX-350 wifi is an added option.

Q: 2. does this camera have an external LCD viewfinder? Can you use the same LAN zoom, focus, iris controls as previous 1080p Panasonic camcorders? (ie: AJ-PX270)

A: The Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder has a 3.5" LCD display that can be safely tucked away into the integrated handle, behind the microphone array on the front left-hand side.

Q: 3. When you zoom in with the camera does the 2.8 fStop stay the same throughout the zoom or does it increase up as you zoom in?

A: The F-Stop will change as you zoom when using the Panasonic HCX2 Camcorder. It would increase to at most F4.5 at the far end of the zoom range. Maximum Aperture f/4.5 Minimum Aperture f/2.8

Q: 4. I recently purchased this camera. Does the face detect, touch focus work in manual mode? I have been having difficulty making that work.

A: No, In manual mode the camera would be in manual control mode and not support automatic features like Autofocus.

Q: 5. Does anyone know of a fisheye adapter that will work on this camera? The camera will not focus with the Opteka .3x fisheye.

A: I'm having the same problem and nothing seems to fix it!

Q: 6. What is Frequency? Does it refer to NTSC or Pal?

A: The Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder is an NTSC camera.

Q: 7. Does it record in Prores?

A: The Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder does not record Apple ProRes files. The two file types supported are MOV/MP4 and AVCHD formats. However, you could connect an external recorder to the camera, and record in Apple ProRes. A recorder idea would be the Atomos Ninja V. Atomos Ninja V 5" 4K Recording Monitor with 2TB AtomX SSDmini Kit BH #ATNINJAV2TBK (B&H Kit)

Q: 8. Can you get a simultaneous feed from both the HDMI and SDI at the same time? Is this a global shutter sensor?

A: Yes, the Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder can output from both the SDI and the HDMI ports at the same time. The Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder does have an electronic global shutter.

Q: 9. So any improvement in low light?

A: Yes, the Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder does have improved lowlight performance when compared to it's predecessor.

Q: 10. How do you access the VLOG setting on the camera menu?

A: Select the [SCENE FILE] menu, [GAMMA MODE SEL], and then you will be able to find [V-log].